Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has said its road network was in dire need of repair, with 75 percent it having far outlived its lifespan.
To fix the problem, the local authority said it needed a massive US$700 million for rehabilitation of the roads in the city.
Th BCC engaged the Zimbabwe National Roads Authority (Zinara) last month as part of moves to address the worsening condition of the city’s road network.
According to a council report, 75 percent of the total road network in the city had outlived its lifespan and a total amount of US$700 million was needed for the rehabilitation of the roads.
“The main challenge leading to poor roads was poor water drainage. Tarred roads needed a proper drainage system to increase the road longevity. Considerations would be made to recruit more staff that would maintain roads,” read the report.
The report also indicated that concern was also raised about the state of roads in the city’s biggest suburb Cowdray Park.
Speaking during a council meeting on Thursday at the Chambers, Councillor Ashton Mhlanga was concerned about Cowdray Park roads, saying only four percent of the road network in Cowdry Park was passable.
“Only four percent of the total road network in Cowdray Park was passable. Council had recently met Zinara management and residents should be updated on the outcome of the meeting,” he said.
Councillor Nkosinathi Mpofu concurred, saying the city’s entire road network was now in a poor state.
He referred to areas like Cowdray Park, Mahatshula which needed immediate attention.
“Vulindlela primary school had no proper storm water drains. The school had experienced flash floods. Cowdray Park and Mahatshula should be declared flash flooding zones. More resources should be channeled to alleviate the flooding challenges,” said Mpofu.
Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu noted that 90 percent of road contractors had failed to deliver quality work.
“Supervision lacked during the period of road works. The drainage system in most roads was very poor. In Mahatshula, some roads had been washed away. Parklands had an area with bush roads. Most of the roads in ward 3 (Mahatshula) needed rehabilitation,” he said.
In response, city mayor David Coltart admitted that the road network was worse in Cowdray Park.
“The situation is worsened by the fact that Cowdry Park was initially a government project which was later handed over to council with a lot of problems,” said the mayor.
New Ziana
